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Pushing Boundaries

Posted on February 18, 2019

An earthy contemporary on Hickory Beach

Bold and beautiful, this beachfront home with never-ending Gulf views encompasses more than 5,300 square feet of carefully planned and masterfully executed lifestyle space for its future owners. The passion of the tried and true team of residential designer Rich Guzman of R.G. Designs, Potter Homes’ Ryan Potter, and Freestyle Interiors designer Alex Thies, makes this beach house a “favorite to date.”

“This one is unique, it is one of the largest we have built. Rich took the master suite to the edge of the footprint, so looking out, the view is only brilliant blue water—it is breathtaking. On top of that, the interior design is like nothing we’ve ever done,” explains Potter.

Residential designer Guzman agrees. With each new beachfront plan, he draws upon what he’s learned and works to envision something different and exciting.

“We approach each house as if we are living in it,” explains Guzman. “I’m always inspired by new innovative ideas, the environment, and nature. We wanted to create a home that was forward thinking. I wanted the master to feel as if it was sitting on the water by removing the deck.”

The interior is clean, classic, and memorable. Crisp black and white backgrounds, dark wood beams, and surprising pops of color mix with earthy tones to create a warm captivating design.

“I moved away from the grays and the blues which we’ve done so much of and brought back the earthiness in the browns and the warm tones,” notes interior designer Thies. “I feel like it is a newer take on coastal. It is hard to do a house on the beach and not play off of your natural backdrop so there are pops of blue, but there are also other accent colors throughout. We kept the backgrounds true to the neutrals outside the windows—the sand, the seagrass, the driftwood—then added bits of color to make a statement.”

As they visualize new ideas, both Guzman and Thies trust that Potter Homes will masterfully execute the fine details of their designs. A multi-generational company, Ryan Potter attributes the company’s success to his father’s passion and pride in the final result. “My dad, Bill, draws on decades of experience. He has high expectations, therefore we have high expectations, and so does the rest of the team,” states Potter.

Designer Thies adds, “I love this team; it is such a seamless relationship. It is like a family meeting when we get together. It is a lot of give and take and it is a great working relationship that makes it so enjoyable. There is a special trust that allows us to push the boundaries for a stunning end result.”

A white exterior with warm gray accents and black Andersen windows sets the tone for this classic black-and-white themed home with a modern twist, located on Bonita Beach. Residential designer Rich Guzman’s coastal-modern architectural design is enhanced by its clean lines, smooth stucco exterior, and expansive use of windows to allow for an abundance of natural light.

A cable wire wine rack adds a playful twist to the bar pass-through while a geometric Phillip Jeffries wallcovering helps to define the added entertaining space. The bar is coupled with the focal staircase to create another visually interesting counterpart to the home’s dramatic views. The stairs’ stainless steel cable and dark-stained oak handrail complements the wine area’s racking. A black and nickel chandelier from Revelation illuminates the entry foyer below.

Deep brown stained floating oak ceiling beams create a bold statement in the living room as do black painted window frames. A custom black and white built-in follows the classic theme. A sectional anchors the room on a floating plinth base surrounded by natural textures of teak, jute and seagrass. “I wanted the house to feel warm and inviting, and not too trendy,” notes Thies.

The intimate dining space with a raw-edged Century Furniture wood table and twisted-rope Palecek chairs overlooks the beach. A hand-beaded Brisbane chandelier by Kichler draws upon the natural elements of the Gulf view.

A classic black and white kitchen finds new life with an exotic quartzite countertop and Daltile smoke and black glass backsplash set in sharp contrast to the white cabinetry. The white kitchen hood is strapped with black metal to play on the classic design. Wavy glass pendants from Lighting First and natural twisted rope counter stools juxtapose the clean lines of the cabinetry. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with Thermador appliances from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

Guzman pushed the master bedroom to the edge of the footprint, creating an amazing window-wall of stunning Gulf views and additional living space. A handmade Phillip Jeffries wallcovering sets the scene for the black and white upholstered Vanguard bed and seating group. Designer Thies added bold accents of golden yellow to bring a punch of light in the form of custom Harlequin drapery panels, artwork and bedding. A side door leads to a shared balcony to enjoy a cup of coffee in the warm breeze.

A custom wall-to-wall headboard is designed for flexibility with two extra-long twin beds that can be pushed together to form a king. Punches of greens and blues add character to the otherwise neutral backgrounds in the VIP guest suite.

The study’s stained wood cantilevered ceiling detail hovers over a two-toned washed walnut Noir desk to create an inspiring place to work. Just beyond the French doors, a custom bookcase creates interest in a light-filled hallway leading to a shared coffee bar and outdoor balcony.

A metal and teak Summer Classics seating group with a woven base cocktail table bring warmth to the silver travertine pool deck and stucco fireplace with custom designed bands that echo the trim work inside. The second-story pool designed by landscape architect Christian Andrea is banded with black and white tile, continuing the classic theme used throughout the home.